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David M. Lawson PhD

Soil Chemist

David graduated from Glasgow University in 1974 and from there moved across country to carry out a PhD at the East of Scotland College of Agriculture on the chemical behaviour of soil cobalt. From Edinburgh he crossed the border to undertake research at the Plant Sciences Dept. of Oxford University on the phosphate nutrition of forage rape.

In 1983 he took up the position of Chemist at STRI and worked on the development of analytical techniques within the Chemistry Laboratory. At the same time he supervised an increasing number of field trials on fertilisers and other products for turf use. The size and range of trials undertaken has increased to cover all aspects of turf nutrition as well as work on composts, microbial products, turf reinforcement for paths and soil stabilisation and erosion prevention on slopes.

Relevant Experience:-

Over one hundred commercial and grant – funded trials undertaken. Research projects undertaken for English Heritage, WRAP, Yorkshire Water and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, as well as most major fertiliser manufacturers.

Technical advisor to WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) Member of the CIWEM (Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management), Recreation and Conservation Panel.

David is also a judge for the Green Flag award scheme for public parks and takes a close interest in the development and redevelopment of municipal park facilities.

Speciality Areas:-

- Turf nutrition
- Soil Chemistry
- Soil contamination
- Turf protection
- Soil erosion / stabilisation

Contact David Lawson.